Smart advice from pros and GH editors to help you finally get your house organized this year

Living Room Rules: Keep the space guest-ready with these genius ideas

Living Room Rules: Keep the space guest-ready with these genius ideas

1. Dare to Be SpareWith too much furniture, even the most spacious living room can look like an episode of Hoarders. Ease congestion by sticking to the basics — a sofa, a bookshelf, a comfy chair, an end table, and a coffee table—and arrange so there’s clear, unimpeded traffic flow. — Meryl Starr, owner of Let's Get Organized

2. Prune the PileupBe ruthless: Save only the last two issues of magazines. Tear out articles and keep in a binder you’ll refer to later. — Justin Klonsky, Organizational expert for OCD Experience (Organize and Create Discipline)

3. Keep it CleanA stay-neat stat to memorize: The top of the coffee table should be 75% clear (yes, seriously). Styles with drawers or shelves below the surface will get you there fast. — Stephanie Hanes, prop stylist

5. Control RemotesGot multiples? Group them all together in a lidded box or a chic decorative bowl. — Stephanie Hanes

6. Pare Down PillowsA trio in complementary colors and patterns — one a solid — is your best bet for most sofas (a mega-couch can handle five, two of them solids). — Melissa Picheny, founder of declutter design

Shelf Life: Even ardent book keepers can learn to declutter with these streamlining strategies

Shelf Life: Even ardent book keepers can learn to declutter with these streamlining strategies

9. Rule of ThreeRestrict non-book items to a maximum of three per shelf. Their sizes and shapes can vary, but relate the pieces by color or theme — say, ceramic vases in shades of cream. — Melissa Picheny

10. Lighten your LibraryBe selective: You don’t want to hang on to every tome you’ve ever read, just those that have had an impact on your life. Shelves still too crowded? Do a side-by-side comparison, asking yourself: If I could keep only one of these two volumes, which would it be? (Remember, you can keep many favorites on an e-reader.) The goal is to leave at least 10% of each shelf bare and book free. — Justin Klonsky

11. AutofocusFor a cohesive look, display groups of photos in similar frames — match the hues or the materials.

12. Toy StoryTo encourage neatness, keep kids’ playthings in light-weight bins on a low shelf — and point out to tykes how easy it is to tuck them away without any aid from adults. — Olescia Hanson, Container Store spokesperson